What Is an Online Patient Portal?

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Quick Answer

Online patient portal is a Web-based system that allows patients to access their health information and communicate with their doctors. Many hospitals have this system, which helps improve communication and allows for improved patient service.

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Patients can use the portal to arrange appointments, send messages, view medical records, update personal information and view lab test results. Other uses of the portal include requesting medical refills and paying medical bills. The registration for an online patient portal is not always open to the public. An individual must be a patient with the hospital or practice that offers the portal. Each patient usually has a personal account.